ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. In the U.S. Registry, total of 646 individuals received at least one dose of either Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA. Of these, 632 received Ca-DTPA by one or more routes of administration. Three hundred and twenty-six individuals were dosed by inhalation, 293 by intravenous injection, and 60 by other or unknown routes of administration.Of the individuals that received Ca-DTPA, 393/632 (62%) received one dose and 65 (10%) received two doses. The remaining 174 individuals received three or more doses. The largest number of Ca-DTPA doses to single individual was 338 delivered over 6.5 years. Overall, the presence or absence of adverse events was recorded in 310/646 individuals. Of these 19 (6.1%) individuals reported at least one adverse event. The total number of recorded adverse events was 20. Of the 20 adverse events, 18 adverse events occurred after treatment with Ca-DTPA. Adverse events included headache, lightheadedness, chest pain, allergic reaction, dermatitis, metallic taste, nausea and diarrhea, and injection site reactions.Cough and/or wheezing were experienced by individuals receiving nebulized Ca-DTPA, one of whom had history of asthma.In literature reports, prolonged treatment with Ca-DTPA resulted in depletion of zinc, magnesium, manganese and possibly metalloproteinases. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] There is limited experience with Ca-DTPA. Adverse events included headache, lightheadedness, chest pain, allergic reaction, dermatitis, metallic taste, nausea and diarrhea, and injection site reactions. (6)To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact the hameln Pharmacovigilance Department at +44 (0) 7706 210 133 or drugsafetyhameln.co.uk or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

BOXED WARNING SECTION.

WARNING: ASTHMA EXACERBATION WITH NEBULIZATION and DEPLETION OF TRACE METALS DURING THERAPY. Nebulized Ca-DTPA may be associated with asthma exacerbation. (5.1) Ca-DTPA is associated with depletion of trace metals such as zinc. The magnitude of depletion increases with split daily dosing, with increasing dose and with increased treatment duration. Only single dose of Ca-DTPA is recommended. Use Zn-DTPA if additional chelation therapy is indicated. Monitor serum zinc levels, serum creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, urinalysis and blood cell counts during Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA therapy. (2.4, 5.2) Nebulized Ca-DTPA may be associated with asthma exacerbation. (5.1) Ca-DTPA is associated with depletion of trace metals such as zinc. The magnitude of depletion increases with split daily dosing, with increasing dose and with increased treatment duration. Only single dose of Ca-DTPA is recommended. Use Zn-DTPA if additional chelation therapy is indicated. Monitor serum zinc levels, serum creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, urinalysis and blood cell counts during Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA therapy. (2.4, 5.2) WARNING: ASTHMA EXACERBATION WITH NEBULIZATION and DEPLETION OF TRACE METALS DURING THERAPYSee full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.Nebulized Ca-DTPA may be associated with asthma exacerbation. (5.1)Ca-DTPA is associated with depletion of trace metals such as zinc. The magnitude of depletion increases with split daily dosing, with increasing dose and with increased treatment duration. Only single dose of Ca-DTPA is recommended. Use Zn-DTPA if additional chelation therapy is indicated. Monitor serum zinc levels, serum creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, urinalysis and blood cell counts during Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA therapy. (2.4, 5.2). Nebulized Ca-DTPA may be associated with asthma exacerbation. (5.1). Ca-DTPA is associated with depletion of trace metals such as zinc. The magnitude of depletion increases with split daily dosing, with increasing dose and with increased treatment duration. Only single dose of Ca-DTPA is recommended. Use Zn-DTPA if additional chelation therapy is indicated. Monitor serum zinc levels, serum creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, urinalysis and blood cell counts during Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA therapy. (2.4, 5.2).

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Ca-DTPA forms stable chelates with metal ions by exchanging calcium for metal of greater binding capacity. The radioactive chelates are then excreted by glomerular filtration into the urine. In animal studies, Ca-DTPA forms less stable chelates with uranium and neptunium in vivo resulting in the deposition of these elements in tissues including the bone. Ca-DTPA treatments are not expected to be effective for uranium and neptunium. Radioactive iodine is not bound by DTPA.. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. In study of rodents internally contaminated with plutonium, the rate of plutonium elimination was measured after treatment with Ca-DTPA and Zn-DTPA given intravenously as single dose of 10 to 1,000 micromol/kg (0.54-54 maximum human dose, MHD). When treated within one hour of internal contamination, Ca-DTPA resulted in about 10-fold higher rate of elimination of plutonium in the urine as compared to Zn-DTPA. The chelating capacity of Ca-DTPA is greatest immediately and up to approximately 24 hours after internal contamination, time period when the radiocontaminant is still circulating and readily available for chelation. After the first dose of Ca-DTPA, maintenance treatment with either Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA resulted in similar rates of elimination of radioactivity. However, at comparable doses, Ca-DTPA had more toxicity (e.g., more depletion of trace metals, higher rate of mortality, the presence of kidney and liver vacuolization, and small bowel hemorrhagic lesions).In another study, rodents contaminated with aerosolized plutonium and americium were treated with Ca-DTPA and Zn-DTPA. The treatment schedule involved inhalation of Ca-DTPA micromol/kg (0.11 MHD) 30 minutes after contamination followed by inhalation of Zn-DTPA micromol/kg at approximately hours, 1, 2, 3, and days, then twice weekly to day 26 or day 27. The treatment regime reduced the lung deposit of plutonium and americium to 1-2% of that in untreated animals. Systemic deposit in liver and skeleton were reduced by half.Literature and U.S. Registry data in humans indicate that intravenous administration of Ca-DTPA forms chelates with radioactive contaminants found in the circulation, interstitial fluid, and tissues. When Ca-DTPA is administered by inhalation within 24 hours of internal radioactive contamination, it can chelate transuranium elements. Expectoration is expected to decrease the amount of radioactive contaminant available for systemic absorption.The effectiveness of chelation decreases with time after internal contamination because the transuranium elements become incorporated into the tissues. Give chelation treatment as soon as possible after known or suspected internal contamination with transuranium elements has occurred. [See Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)] 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Plasma retention and urinary excretion data were obtained in subjects that received 750 kBq of 14C-DTPA. As shown in Figure 1, the radiolabeled DTPA was rapidly distributed throughout the extracellular fluid space and was cleared by glomerular filtration. The plasma retention up to hours post dosing was expressed by the sum of three exponential components with average half-lives of 1.4 min, 14.5 min, and 94.4 min. The level of activity in the plasma was below the limit of detection 24 hours after injection. During the study, no detectable activity was exhaled or excreted in the feces. By 24 hours, cumulative urinary excretion was more than 99% of the injected dose.Figure 1: Percent of 14C-DTPA Distribution. Figure 1. AbsorptionCa-DTPA is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. In animal studies, after oral administration, absorption was approximately 5%. In U.S. Registry of 18 patients who received single inhaled or intravenous dose of gram, urine data indicate that the inhaled product was absorbed and resulted in comparable elimination of the radiocontaminant. One study of human subjects that received Ca-DTPA with 14C-DTPA by inhalation revealed approximately 20% absorption from the lungs. Human or animal bioavailability comparisons for Ca-DTPA are not available after administration by inhalation and intravenous injection. [See Clinical Studies (14)] DistributionFollowing intravenous administration, Ca-DTPA is rapidly distributed throughout the extracellular fluid space. No significant amount of Ca-DTPA penetrates into erythrocytes or other cells. No accumulation of Ca-DTPA in specific organs has been observed. There is little or no binding of the chelating agent by the renal parenchyma.. MetabolismCa-DTPA undergoes minimal amount of metabolic change in the body.. Adverse Metabolic EffectsStudies in animals and humans showed that Ca-DTPA binds endogenous metals of the body (i.e., zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn)). In an animal study, high doses of Ca-DTPA led to the loss of zinc and manganese mainly from the small intestine, skeleton, pancreas, and testes. Dosing over several days resulted in mobilization or binding of endogenous metals in exchange for calcium and consequent impairment of metal-controlled or activated systems. The rate and amount of endogenous metal depletion increased with split daily dosing and with the length of treatment. Depletion of these endogenous metals can interfere with necessary mitotic cellular processes. Over longer time periods, depletion of zinc due to Ca-DTPA therapy may result in transient inhibition of metalloenzyme--aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (ALAD) in the blood and suppressed hematopoiesis.. EliminationCa-DTPA is cleared from the plasma in the first few hours after dosing through urinary excretion by glomerular filtration. Renal tubular excretion has not been documented. In stool samples tested, only very small amount of radioactivity (<3%) was detected.. Renal Impaired and/or Compromised Liver Function PatientsAdequate and well-controlled pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in renally impaired and/or hepatically impaired patients were not identified in the literature. Both Ca-DTPA and its radioactive chelates are excreted by glomerular filtration. Impaired renal function may decrease their rates of elimination and increase the serum half-life of Ca-DTPA.

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES. All clinical data has come from the treatment of individuals who were accidentally contaminated. Observational data were maintained in U.S. Registry of individuals with internal radioactive contamination primarily from acute occupational contamination with plutonium, americium, and curium.In 286 individuals, bioassays were available to measure urinary radioactivity elimination after chelation therapy. Of these 286 individuals, 18 had matched pre- and post-chelator urine radioactivity bioassay results available. Seventeen of these individuals received gram of Ca-DTPA as the first dose. Of these, individuals received the first dose by nebulization (1:1 Ca-DTPA and saline) and received Ca-DTPA intravenously. The elimination of radiocontaminants was measured using the ratio of the urine radioactivity before treatment to the maximum urine radioactivity after treatment (the excretion enhancement factor, EEF). As shown in Table 1, after one dose, the mean EEF was 25.7. The descriptive results and variability for the intravenous, inhaled, and combined routes are considered to be similar.Table 1: Urine Excretion Enhancement Factor (EEF) of Transuranium Elements after an Initial Dose of 1g (Ca-DTPA, N=17)ResultsIntravenousInhaledCombined RoutesMean25.925.425.7Median12.519.312.8SD33.828.230.1Range1.1-396.10.5-80.00.5-396.1After initial treatment with Ca-DTPA, maintenance treatment was continued with gram Zn-DTPA doses over period of days, months or years, depending upon the extent of internal contamination and individual response to therapy. Most patients received single dose of Ca-DTPA. The longest treatment duration was approximately 6.5 years. Similar increases in urinary radioactivity elimination following chelator administration were supported by data from the remaining 268 individuals in the U.S. Registry and from the literature.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Chelation treatment is most effective if administered within the first 24 hours. (2.1, 2.2)In adults and adolescents, administer intravenously single 1.0 gram Ca-DTPA dose. (2.1)In children less than 12 years of age, administer intravenously, single 14 mg/kg Ca-DTPA dose, not to exceed 1.0 gram. (2.1)Zn-DTPA is recommended for maintenance chelation therapy after the first 24 hours. If Zn-DTPA is unavailable, chelation therapy may continue with Ca-DTPA. (2.1)See Full Prescribing Information for dose (2.1) and nebulized chelation therapy (2.3). 2.1 Dose. Administer Ca-DTPA as the initial dose during the first 24 hours after internal contamination. Ca-DTPA is more effective than Zn-DTPA during this time period. If Ca-DTPA is not available, use Zn-DTPA as the initial therapy. On the next day, if additional chelation therapy is indicated, begin daily treatment with Zn-DTPA (see Zn-DTPA labeling). If Zn-DTPA is not available, chelation therapy may continue with Ca-DTPA; concomitant mineral supplements containing zinc should be given. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Do not administer more than one dose per 24 hour period.. Adults and AdolescentsA single 1.0 gram initial dose of Ca-DTPA administered intravenously.. Children less than 12 years of ageA single 14 mg/kg initial dose of Ca-DTPA administered intravenously, not to exceed 1.0 gram.. If Zn-DTPA is not availableFor adults and adolescents, the recommended maintenance dose is 1.0 gram Ca-DTPA once daily administered intravenously. For children less than 12 years of age, the recommended maintenance dose is 14 mg/kg Ca-DTPA once daily administered intravenously, not to exceed 1.0 gram per day.. Renally Impaired PatientsNo dose adjustment is needed. However, renal impairment may reduce the rate at which chelators remove radiocontaminants from the body. In heavily contaminated patients with renal impairment, dialysis may be used to increase the rate of elimination. High efficiency high flux dialysis is recommended. Because dialysis fluid will become radioactive, radiation precautions must be taken to protect personnel, other patients, and the general public.. 2.2 General. Chelation treatment is most effective if administered within the first 24 hours after internal contamination. Start chelation treatment as soon as possible after suspected or known internal contamination. When treatment cannot be started right away, give chelation treatment as soon as it becomes available. Chelation treatment is still effective even after time has elapsed following internal contamination. The chelating effects of Ca-DTPA are greatest when radiocontaminants are still circulating or are in interstitial fluids. The effectiveness of chelation decreases with time following internal contamination as the radiocontaminants become sequestered in liver and bone.If internal contamination with radiocontaminants other than plutonium, americium, or curium, or unknown radiocontaminants is suspected, additional therapies may be needed (e.g., Prussian blue, potassium iodide).. 2.3 Methods of Administration. Use intravenous administration of Ca-DTPA if the route of internal contamination is not known or if multiple routes of internal contamination are likely. Administer Ca-DTPA solution (1 gram in mL) either with slow intravenous push over period of 3-4 minutes or by intravenous infusion diluted in 100-250 mL of 5% dextrose in water (D5W), Ringers Lactate, or Normal Saline.In individuals whose internal contamination is only by inhalation within the preceding 24 hours, Ca-DTPA can be administered by nebulized inhalation as an alternative route of administration. Dilute Ca-DTPA for nebulization at 1:1 ratio with sterile water or saline. After nebulization, encourage patients to avoid swallowing any expectorant. Some individuals may experience respiratory adverse events after inhalation therapy. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] The safety and effectiveness of the nebulized route of administration have not been established in the pediatric population.The safety and effectiveness of the intramuscular route of injection have not been established. [See Overdosage (10)] 2.4 Monitoring. When possible, obtain baseline blood and urine samples (CBC with differential, serum creatinine, BUN and electrolytes, urinalysis, and blood and urine radioassays) before initiating treatment.Ca-DTPA must be given with very careful monitoring of serum zinc and complete blood counts. When appropriate, administer vitamin or mineral supplements that contain zinc. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] To establish an elimination curve, obtain quantitative baseline estimate of the total internalized transuranium element(s) and measures of elimination of radioactivity by appropriate whole-body counting, by bioassay (e.g., biodosimetry), or fecal/urine sample whenever possible.. During TreatmentMeasure the radioactivity in blood, urine, and fecal samples weekly to monitor the radioactive contaminant elimination rate.Monitor CBC with differential, BUN, serum creatinine and electrolytes, and urinalysis. If the individual is receiving more than one dose of Ca-DTPA, consider mineral supplementation as appropriate based on these laboratory tests.Record any adverse events from Ca-DTPA.. Measure the radioactivity in blood, urine, and fecal samples weekly to monitor the radioactive contaminant elimination rate.. Monitor CBC with differential, BUN, serum creatinine and electrolytes, and urinalysis. If the individual is receiving more than one dose of Ca-DTPA, consider mineral supplementation as appropriate based on these laboratory tests.. Record any adverse events from Ca-DTPA.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Instruct patients to:drink plenty of fluids and void frequently to promote dilution of the radioactive chelate in the urine and minimize radiation exposure directly to the bladder.use toilet instead of urinal, and flush several times after each use.clean up spilled urine or feces completely and wash hands thoroughly. Wash clothing or linens separately if blood or urine comes in contact.dispose of any expectorant carefully. Avoid swallowing the expectorant if possible.Instruct parents and child-care givers to take extra precaution in handling the urine, feces, and expectorants of children to avoid any additional exposure to either the care-giver or to the child.Instruct nursing mothers to take extra precaution in disposing of breast milk. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.3)] drink plenty of fluids and void frequently to promote dilution of the radioactive chelate in the urine and minimize radiation exposure directly to the bladder.. use toilet instead of urinal, and flush several times after each use.. clean up spilled urine or feces completely and wash hands thoroughly. Wash clothing or linens separately if blood or urine comes in contact.. dispose of any expectorant carefully. Avoid swallowing the expectorant if possible.

PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics. In study of rodents internally contaminated with plutonium, the rate of plutonium elimination was measured after treatment with Ca-DTPA and Zn-DTPA given intravenously as single dose of 10 to 1,000 micromol/kg (0.54-54 maximum human dose, MHD). When treated within one hour of internal contamination, Ca-DTPA resulted in about 10-fold higher rate of elimination of plutonium in the urine as compared to Zn-DTPA. The chelating capacity of Ca-DTPA is greatest immediately and up to approximately 24 hours after internal contamination, time period when the radiocontaminant is still circulating and readily available for chelation. After the first dose of Ca-DTPA, maintenance treatment with either Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA resulted in similar rates of elimination of radioactivity. However, at comparable doses, Ca-DTPA had more toxicity (e.g., more depletion of trace metals, higher rate of mortality, the presence of kidney and liver vacuolization, and small bowel hemorrhagic lesions).In another study, rodents contaminated with aerosolized plutonium and americium were treated with Ca-DTPA and Zn-DTPA. The treatment schedule involved inhalation of Ca-DTPA micromol/kg (0.11 MHD) 30 minutes after contamination followed by inhalation of Zn-DTPA micromol/kg at approximately hours, 1, 2, 3, and days, then twice weekly to day 26 or day 27. The treatment regime reduced the lung deposit of plutonium and americium to 1-2% of that in untreated animals. Systemic deposit in liver and skeleton were reduced by half.Literature and U.S. Registry data in humans indicate that intravenous administration of Ca-DTPA forms chelates with radioactive contaminants found in the circulation, interstitial fluid, and tissues. When Ca-DTPA is administered by inhalation within 24 hours of internal radioactive contamination, it can chelate transuranium elements. Expectoration is expected to decrease the amount of radioactive contaminant available for systemic absorption.The effectiveness of chelation decreases with time after internal contamination because the transuranium elements become incorporated into the tissues. Give chelation treatment as soon as possible after known or suspected internal contamination with transuranium elements has occurred. [See Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)].

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Plasma retention and urinary excretion data were obtained in subjects that received 750 kBq of 14C-DTPA. As shown in Figure 1, the radiolabeled DTPA was rapidly distributed throughout the extracellular fluid space and was cleared by glomerular filtration. The plasma retention up to hours post dosing was expressed by the sum of three exponential components with average half-lives of 1.4 min, 14.5 min, and 94.4 min. The level of activity in the plasma was below the limit of detection 24 hours after injection. During the study, no detectable activity was exhaled or excreted in the feces. By 24 hours, cumulative urinary excretion was more than 99% of the injected dose.Figure 1: Percent of 14C-DTPA Distribution. Figure 1. AbsorptionCa-DTPA is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. In animal studies, after oral administration, absorption was approximately 5%. In U.S. Registry of 18 patients who received single inhaled or intravenous dose of gram, urine data indicate that the inhaled product was absorbed and resulted in comparable elimination of the radiocontaminant. One study of human subjects that received Ca-DTPA with 14C-DTPA by inhalation revealed approximately 20% absorption from the lungs. Human or animal bioavailability comparisons for Ca-DTPA are not available after administration by inhalation and intravenous injection. [See Clinical Studies (14)] DistributionFollowing intravenous administration, Ca-DTPA is rapidly distributed throughout the extracellular fluid space. No significant amount of Ca-DTPA penetrates into erythrocytes or other cells. No accumulation of Ca-DTPA in specific organs has been observed. There is little or no binding of the chelating agent by the renal parenchyma.. MetabolismCa-DTPA undergoes minimal amount of metabolic change in the body.. Adverse Metabolic EffectsStudies in animals and humans showed that Ca-DTPA binds endogenous metals of the body (i.e., zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn)). In an animal study, high doses of Ca-DTPA led to the loss of zinc and manganese mainly from the small intestine, skeleton, pancreas, and testes. Dosing over several days resulted in mobilization or binding of endogenous metals in exchange for calcium and consequent impairment of metal-controlled or activated systems. The rate and amount of endogenous metal depletion increased with split daily dosing and with the length of treatment. Depletion of these endogenous metals can interfere with necessary mitotic cellular processes. Over longer time periods, depletion of zinc due to Ca-DTPA therapy may result in transient inhibition of metalloenzyme--aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (ALAD) in the blood and suppressed hematopoiesis.. EliminationCa-DTPA is cleared from the plasma in the first few hours after dosing through urinary excretion by glomerular filtration. Renal tubular excretion has not been documented. In stool samples tested, only very small amount of radioactivity (<3%) was detected.. Renal Impaired and/or Compromised Liver Function PatientsAdequate and well-controlled pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in renally impaired and/or hepatically impaired patients were not identified in the literature. Both Ca-DTPA and its radioactive chelates are excreted by glomerular filtration. Impaired renal function may decrease their rates of elimination and increase the serum half-life of Ca-DTPA.

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C. Risk SummaryThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Ca-DTPA use in pregnant women. Ca-DTPA chelation therapy causes depletion of body stores of zinc, trace metal essential for fetal development [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. The consequences of zinc depletion and results of animal studies suggest teratogenic risk in humans. Ca-DTPA was teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice at daily doses to times the recommended daily human dose, based on body surface area (BSA), with dose-dependent increase in the frequency of gross malformations. Ca-DTPA was teratogenic in dogs at approximately half the recommended daily human dose based on BSA, as described below. There are no animal or human data evaluating the teratogenic effect of single dose of Ca-DTPA. Ca-DTPA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.. Clinical ConsiderationsChelation treatment of pregnant women should begin and continue with Zn-DTPA, if available, except in cases of high internal radioactive contamination. Because Ca-DTPA is more effective than Zn-DTPA in the first 24 hours after internal contamination, it may be appropriate to use single dose of Ca-DTPA with vitamin or mineral supplements that contain zinc as the initial treatment.. Animal DataCa-DTPA is teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice during any period of gestation following five daily subcutaneous injections of 720 to 2880 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg [2 to times the recommended daily human dose of gram based on BSA]. The frequency of gross malformations (e.g., exencephaly, spina bifida, cleft palate, ablepharia, and polydactyly) and fetal mortality increased with dose, with higher susceptibility in early and mid gestation. Five daily doses of 360 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg in mice, approximately equivalent to the recommended daily human dose (based on BSA) produced no harmful effects. study of two pregnant dogs given daily intravenous injections of 30 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg (approximately half the recommended daily human dose based on BSA) from implantation until parturition showed severe teratogenic effects (brain damage), and decrease in the number of surviving pups.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

2.1 Dose. Administer Ca-DTPA as the initial dose during the first 24 hours after internal contamination. Ca-DTPA is more effective than Zn-DTPA during this time period. If Ca-DTPA is not available, use Zn-DTPA as the initial therapy. On the next day, if additional chelation therapy is indicated, begin daily treatment with Zn-DTPA (see Zn-DTPA labeling). If Zn-DTPA is not available, chelation therapy may continue with Ca-DTPA; concomitant mineral supplements containing zinc should be given. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Do not administer more than one dose per 24 hour period.. Adults and AdolescentsA single 1.0 gram initial dose of Ca-DTPA administered intravenously.. Children less than 12 years of ageA single 14 mg/kg initial dose of Ca-DTPA administered intravenously, not to exceed 1.0 gram.. If Zn-DTPA is not availableFor adults and adolescents, the recommended maintenance dose is 1.0 gram Ca-DTPA once daily administered intravenously. For children less than 12 years of age, the recommended maintenance dose is 14 mg/kg Ca-DTPA once daily administered intravenously, not to exceed 1.0 gram per day.. Renally Impaired PatientsNo dose adjustment is needed. However, renal impairment may reduce the rate at which chelators remove radiocontaminants from the body. In heavily contaminated patients with renal impairment, dialysis may be used to increase the rate of elimination. High efficiency high flux dialysis is recommended. Because dialysis fluid will become radioactive, radiation precautions must be taken to protect personnel, other patients, and the general public.

TERATOGENIC EFFECTS SECTION.

Pregnancy Category C. Risk SummaryThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Ca-DTPA use in pregnant women. Ca-DTPA chelation therapy causes depletion of body stores of zinc, trace metal essential for fetal development [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. The consequences of zinc depletion and results of animal studies suggest teratogenic risk in humans. Ca-DTPA was teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice at daily doses to times the recommended daily human dose, based on body surface area (BSA), with dose-dependent increase in the frequency of gross malformations. Ca-DTPA was teratogenic in dogs at approximately half the recommended daily human dose based on BSA, as described below. There are no animal or human data evaluating the teratogenic effect of single dose of Ca-DTPA. Ca-DTPA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.. Clinical ConsiderationsChelation treatment of pregnant women should begin and continue with Zn-DTPA, if available, except in cases of high internal radioactive contamination. Because Ca-DTPA is more effective than Zn-DTPA in the first 24 hours after internal contamination, it may be appropriate to use single dose of Ca-DTPA with vitamin or mineral supplements that contain zinc as the initial treatment.. Animal DataCa-DTPA is teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice during any period of gestation following five daily subcutaneous injections of 720 to 2880 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg [2 to times the recommended daily human dose of gram based on BSA]. The frequency of gross malformations (e.g., exencephaly, spina bifida, cleft palate, ablepharia, and polydactyly) and fetal mortality increased with dose, with higher susceptibility in early and mid gestation. Five daily doses of 360 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg in mice, approximately equivalent to the recommended daily human dose (based on BSA) produced no harmful effects. study of two pregnant dogs given daily intravenous injections of 30 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg (approximately half the recommended daily human dose based on BSA) from implantation until parturition showed severe teratogenic effects (brain damage), and decrease in the number of surviving pups.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. Pregnancy: Based on animal data, Ca-DTPA may cause fetal harm. Chelation treatment of pregnant women should begin and continue with Zn-DTPA. If Zn-DTPA is not available, Ca-DTPA should be used. (8.1)Nursing Mothers: Women with known or suspected internal contamination with radiocontaminants should not breast feed, whether or not they are receiving chelation therapy. (5.3, 8.3)Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of intravenous Ca-DTPA were extrapolated from adults. Safety and effectiveness of the nebulized route of administration have not been established. (8.4). Pregnancy: Based on animal data, Ca-DTPA may cause fetal harm. Chelation treatment of pregnant women should begin and continue with Zn-DTPA. If Zn-DTPA is not available, Ca-DTPA should be used. (8.1). Nursing Mothers: Women with known or suspected internal contamination with radiocontaminants should not breast feed, whether or not they are receiving chelation therapy. (5.3, 8.3). Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of intravenous Ca-DTPA were extrapolated from adults. Safety and effectiveness of the nebulized route of administration have not been established. (8.4). 8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C. Risk SummaryThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Ca-DTPA use in pregnant women. Ca-DTPA chelation therapy causes depletion of body stores of zinc, trace metal essential for fetal development [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. The consequences of zinc depletion and results of animal studies suggest teratogenic risk in humans. Ca-DTPA was teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice at daily doses to times the recommended daily human dose, based on body surface area (BSA), with dose-dependent increase in the frequency of gross malformations. Ca-DTPA was teratogenic in dogs at approximately half the recommended daily human dose based on BSA, as described below. There are no animal or human data evaluating the teratogenic effect of single dose of Ca-DTPA. Ca-DTPA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.. Clinical ConsiderationsChelation treatment of pregnant women should begin and continue with Zn-DTPA, if available, except in cases of high internal radioactive contamination. Because Ca-DTPA is more effective than Zn-DTPA in the first 24 hours after internal contamination, it may be appropriate to use single dose of Ca-DTPA with vitamin or mineral supplements that contain zinc as the initial treatment.. Animal DataCa-DTPA is teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice during any period of gestation following five daily subcutaneous injections of 720 to 2880 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg [2 to times the recommended daily human dose of gram based on BSA]. The frequency of gross malformations (e.g., exencephaly, spina bifida, cleft palate, ablepharia, and polydactyly) and fetal mortality increased with dose, with higher susceptibility in early and mid gestation. Five daily doses of 360 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg in mice, approximately equivalent to the recommended daily human dose (based on BSA) produced no harmful effects. study of two pregnant dogs given daily intravenous injections of 30 micromol Ca-DTPA/kg (approximately half the recommended daily human dose based on BSA) from implantation until parturition showed severe teratogenic effects (brain damage), and decrease in the number of surviving pups.. 8.3 Nursing mothers. It is not known whether Ca-DTPA is excreted in human milk. Radiocontaminants are known to be excreted in breast milk. Women with known or suspected internal contamination with radiocontaminants should not breast feed, whether or not they are receiving chelation therapy. Precautions should be taken when discarding breast milk. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] 8.4 Pediatric use. The safety and effectiveness of Ca-DTPA were established in the adult population and efficacy was extrapolated to the pediatric population for the intravenous route based on the comparability of pathophysiologic mechanisms. The dose is based on body size adjustment for an intravenous drug that is renally cleared [See Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. The safety and effectiveness of the nebulized route of administration have not been established in the pediatric population.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Nebulized Ca-DTPA may be associated with exacerbation of asthma. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of asthma exacerbation when administering Ca-DTPA by the inhalation route. (5.1)Ca-DTPA is associated with depletion of endogenous trace metals (e.g., zinc, magnesium, manganese). (5.2)Take appropriate safety measures to minimize contamination of care-takers by contaminated body fluids. (5.3)Use Ca-DTPA with caution in individuals with severe hemochromatosis. (5.4). Nebulized Ca-DTPA may be associated with exacerbation of asthma. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of asthma exacerbation when administering Ca-DTPA by the inhalation route. (5.1). Ca-DTPA is associated with depletion of endogenous trace metals (e.g., zinc, magnesium, manganese). (5.2). Take appropriate safety measures to minimize contamination of care-takers by contaminated body fluids. (5.3). Use Ca-DTPA with caution in individuals with severe hemochromatosis. (5.4). 5.1 Asthma Exacerbation. Nebulized Ca-DTPA is associated with asthma exacerbation. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of asthma exacerbation when administering Ca-DTPA by the inhalation route. [See Adverse Reactions (6)] 5.2 Depletion of Body Trace Mineral Stores. Ca-DTPA is associated with depletion of endogenous trace metals (e.g., zinc, magnesium, manganese). The magnitude of depletion increases with split daily dosing, with increasing dose, and with increased treatment duration. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] Only single initial dose of Ca-DTPA is recommended. Use Zn-DTPA if additional chelation therapy is indicated (See Zn-DTPA labeling). If Zn-DTPA is not available, chelation therapy may continue with Ca-DTPA but give mineral supplements containing zinc concomitantly, as appropriate.Monitor serum zinc levels, electrolytes and blood cell counts during Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA therapy. Give mineral or vitamin plus mineral supplements that contain zinc as appropriate. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4)] 5.3 Risks to Care-takers. Radioactive metals are known to be excreted in the urine, feces, and breast milk. In individuals with recent internal contamination with plutonium, americium, or curium, Ca-DTPA treatment increases excretion of radioactivity in the urine. Take appropriate safety measures to minimize contamination of others. [See Patient Counseling Information (17)] 5.4 Risks for Patients with Hemochromatosis. Use of only single Ca-DTPA dose is particularly important for patients with hemochromatosis. Deaths have been reported in patients with severe hemochromatosis who received Ca-DTPA for more than day, by intramuscular injection. [See Overdosage (10)].